Sep. 2--Toledo City Council departed briefly yesterday from its policy of not allowing public comment at its meetings, then reversed itself when a speaker launched into a personal attack against one of its members.

The matter stemmed from a resolution proposed by Councilman Lindsay Webb expressing support for keeping open the Manhattan Plaza Kroger store in North Toledo. The grocery, slated for closing Oct. 10, is in Ms. Webb's council District 6. Keeping it open has become a rallying cry in North Toledo.

Council eventually adopted her resolution unanimously, but only after Ms. Webb collected enough votes to successfully challenge Council President Joe McNamara's decision to send it to the neighborhoods committee for study. She also was able to overturn his decision not to permit a member of the Lagrange Village Council to speak on the Kroger issue.

But when Christina Yambrisak, the Lagrange representative, took the floor, she began criticizing Councilman Michael Ashford. Councilman Mike Craig cut her short by calling a point of order. He was supported by Councilman D. Michael Collins, who told Ms. Yambrisak, "What you're saying is totally out of order because it has nothing to do with the business decision of Kroger."

Council then reversed itself and withdrew the public comment period.

Mr. Ashford said he too wanted to keep the Kroger open. He said he had spoken to Kroger officials, and the company is closing old outlets such as the North Toledo store, which is almost 40 years old. Mr. Ashford's District 4 includes part of North Toledo.

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